Barkley ended up turning down the chance to join the Premier League champions, partly due to his inability to have a conversation with the Chelsea manager.

And The Times claims that it was Chelsea’s hiearchy who told Conte not to get in touch with the 23-year-old after the Italian failed to convince Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to reject Liverpool earlier that week.

Ross Barkley turned down Chelsea on deadline day. (Getty Images)

The report claims that Conte informed the former Arsenal player that he would be mainly considered as an option on Chelsea’s right flank, whereas Jurgen Klopp promised the 24-year-old playing time in central midfield.

Conte also didn’t speak with Danny Drinkwater prior to his £35m arrival from Leicester City on deadline day.